Fauquier County Emergency Micro Loans Available Now
The Fauquier Micro Loan Program has been revamped to serve as an emergency loan program for small businesses in the County in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is now targeted to putting needed resources into the hands of our entrepreneurs swiftly and with a minimum of red tape. It can accommodate adaptive actions that help firms remain solvent and could also supplement the ongoing costs of doing business until other resources become available.
Miles Friedman
Alternative Funding: Beyond the SBA
Here are some alternative funding/assistance sources for small business owners, as shared by the Program Director of the Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may find it helpful.
Michelle Coe
The Power of Unscheduled Opportunities
Let's face it, many of us are struggling with a certain amount of fear right now and what may look like an impossible situation. We may be expressing our fear outwardly or it may be lurching around in our subconscious ready to pounce at any moment. But some people let themselves become crippled by fear...unable to think clearly, take action, move forward or find comfort. If you are going to lead your team through challenges, you must first lead yourself.
Cindy Legg
EIDL Loans, EIDL Grant, and other Options
We care about you during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. We are monitoring the legislative changes and analyzing them with respect to their impact on you and your organizations. The SBA is working on guidelines to administer these new programs. As soon as we have more information we will share.
Christine Kriz
Updated 3/31/2020: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Amelia J. Stansell
Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis
The internet has an ample supply of “experts” who are writing articles, publishing books and handing out tips on what you should do to get your business through this unprecedented business climate. I make no claims on being an expert on what to do to get through this. I am only going to share with you what I am doing.
Gary Grenter
Spring, Rebirth & the New Business Paradigm
This time can be scary as the virus spreads, stock market tumbles and businesses are shuttered. However, you can also choose to see it as a powerful time of cathartic cleansing and a portal for insight and innovation. It's your choice.
Shari J. Goodwin
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance - Can it Really Help Me?
Late Wednesday it was announced that the Virginia Governor had requested emergency disaster funding from the SBA. "Great," you say, "but what does this mean to me?" It means you may qualify for a low interest loan to help your business stay open. This will mean you can pay your employees, rent or mortgage, vendors and keep the lights on through this time. The funds may cover up to six months of expenses to help until things get back to “normal”.
Amelia J. Stansell
Business is a Garden: Plant the Seeds
You might guess that gardening reminds me a lot of business planning and marketing strategies, hence the name of my business, Flourish with Kate (LLC as required by my attorney!) If the crisis of COVID-19 has you thinking that the ground is bare and bereft of life, I urge you to think again and start planting the seeds for the harvest to come. Do it with hope and faith, focused on sustainable strategies, and you’ll find a way to flourish when the time comes.
Kate Sprague
The "Lean" Startup
Far too many entrepreneurs start a new business based on what they think is a great idea or product. It often seems obvious to them that if they build it, the customers will be knocking down their door to buy it. Unfortunately, this traditional approach has led to a failure rate of 30% of new businesses during the first two years and 50% within five years and the #1 reason for failure is that the startup was building something that nobody wanted to buy. How can your new business avoid becoming a
Gary Grenter
